Chapter 243
Chapter 243
Once inside the cabin, Theodore gently laid Eliana down on the bed before calling for the ship’s doctor. Soon, the doctor arrived.
After briefly explaining the situation, Theodore watched as the doctor took Eliana’s temperature. The doctor then said, “Mr. Russell, she has a mild fever. I’ll prescribe some medication. Let her rest well tonight, and I’ll check on her again tomorrow morning. If there’s no improvement, she’ll need treatment
onshore.”
Theodore thought it was a sound suggestion and
curt nod.
Once the doctor left, he helped Eliana sit up to take her medicine. She winced at the bitterness.
Seeing the plate of delicate candies on the nightstand, he reached for one, hastily peeling off the wrapper, only for the candy to slip from his fingers and roll under the bed.
Holding the wrapper, he tensed his jaw. Eliana, leaning against his shoulder, couldn’t help but chuckle, “Let me do it.” Theodore’s hands were made for pens and guns, not such finicky tasks like this.
After she popped a candy into her mouth, she even peeled one for him. Amused, Theodore raised an eyebrow. “So who is taking care of whom here?”
“You’re taking care of me, of course,” Eliana said. “Franco said you even dropped business for me.”
The mention of Franco darkened his expression. “You were in trouble, and he hid it from me.”
“Oh, come on. Franco handled it well, and he’s your elder.” Like soothing a bristling lion, Eliana gently scratched his chin.
Theodore swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. If not for her condition, he would have gladly flirted back.
He caught her mischievous hand and pressed a light kiss on it. “What did you think of his proposal today?” He meant Franco’s offer to adopt Eliana as his goddaughter.
“Honestly, it surprised me,” Eliana admitted. “To make sure it wasn’t a spur–of–the–moment thing, I said I needed time to think. It’s to give him time to reconsider. If he doesn’t bring it up again, I’ll pretend it never happened. It saves everyone awkwardness later.”
“Smart,” Theodore smiled. “Rest early tonight.”
As Eliana lay down, she turned to him and asked, “Theodore, will you take me diving tomorrow?”
Theodore hesitated. She had gone through something terrifying today, yet she still wanted to face the sea. “You’re not afraid?”
Eliana recalled her struggle in the water. “I’m afraid, but when death stares me down, fear sort of dissolves.”
Seeing her resolve, not bravado, Theodore remembered his original intention was to help her conquer that fear. He thought, ‘Why stop her now that she
is ready?‘
He nodded. “If your fever breaks by tomorrow, we’ll go.”
Eliana grinned. “Then I’d better recover fast.”
ked her path. “Who are
The next morning, when Megan arrived at Eliana’s cabin, she spotted a striking woman approaching. Instantly wary, she you?” She thought this woman was probably another one of Theodore’s flings.
To Megan’s surprise, Harper smiled, “I’m here to grab breakfast with Ellie. You’re Megan Thompson, right? I’ve seen your films.”
After knowing that this woman was Eliana’s friend, Megan relaxed. “Well, since we’re both here for her, why not team up?”
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Chapter 243
“Sure,” Harper replied with a smile and knocked on the door.
Theodore swung it open, and his expression darkened at the sight of two stunning women. “What are you two doing here at this hour?”
Megan kept it polite. “Mr. Russell, we’re here to have breakfast with Ellie.”
“She’s still asleep.” Theodore’s tone dripped with annoyance. He wasn’t thrilled about these two interrupting his private time with Eliana.
Just then, Eliana’s voice floated from inside. “Theodore, who is it?”
“Huh?” Megan blurted. “She’s awake.”
Theodore shut the door and turned to Eliana, who had just stepped out of the bathroom. “No one important.”
“I heard Megan,” Eliana said, heading for the door.
But Theodore sidestepped to block her. She sighed, “Theodore, Megan stayed with me all day yesterday. You can’t expect me to ignore her.”
Grudgingly, he relented. “Fine. She’s here with Harper for breakfast.”
“Harper is here too?” Eliana’s face lit up. “Are you joining us?”
“Hard pass.” Theodore scoffed. “Those two are trouble.” He didn’t want any misunderstandings if Ashton saw him having breakfast with Harper.
“Suit yourself.” Eliana moved to leave, but Theodore caught her wrist. “Take your medicine.”
She wrinkled her nose. “My fever’s gone. Do I have to?”
“No shortcuts,” he said sternly. “Or no diving this afternoon.”
“Ugh, fine.” Eliana pocketed the pills with a dramatic sigh.
When Eliana and the other two women arrived at the first–floor dining room, Harper’s expression darkened the moment she spotted Ashton sitting at a distant table. “What awful luck,” she muttered. “Why’s he here?”
Megan, noticing Felix seated beside Ashton, nodded in agreement. “Ugh, seriously terrible timing.”
Ever considerate, Eliana suggested, “Should we go to the second–floor dining room instead?”
Harper lifted her chin defiantly. “No way. I won’t give him the satisfaction of thinking I’m avoiding him.”
“You’re right.” Megan nodded. “We’re staying right here.”
Ashton and Felix had noticed their arrival.
After a moment’s thought, Felix picked up his phone. I’ll text Theodore to join us for breakfast.”
Ashton, his gaze fixed on Harper, absently murmured, “Mm.”
Once Felix sent the message, he couldn’t resist teasing his distracted friend. “Didn’t you say yesterday that you’d cu thoughts already?”
es with Harper? Having second
Ashton took a sip of brandy before responding gloomily, “Cut it out. Cathy will misunderstand if she comes back and hears you.”
“Then stop staring,” Felix shot back with a grin. “Since when do you start drinking this early in the morning?”
“Just now,” Ashton retorted irritably. He had expected Harper to spend the night weeping after their breakup or maybe even contemplate jumping
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Chapter 243
overboard in despair. Instead, she looked more radiant than ever this morning.
